Means for packing eggs for shipment



July 13, 1937. w'. A. SCHURMANN 2,086,991

MEANS FOR PACKING EGGS FOR SHIPMENT Filed Dec. 6, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l T mm mmm July 13, 1937. w. A. SCHURMANN MEANS FOR PACKING EGGS FOR SHIPMENT Filed Dec. 6, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 13, 1937 UNITED STATES gotten earner orrics 6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in methods of and means for packing eggs for shipment and it consists of the matters hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the conventional method of packing eggs for shipment, a wooden case is employed and said case is divided into two compartments, each holding dozen eggs. The eggs are arranged five layers high in each compartment, each layer being defined by a cellular filler holding three dozen eggs. Usually, a separator is disposed between each layer. In some instances, this separator is merely a flat sheet of relatively stiff paper termed a flat and in other instances, a cushioning pad is provided, each with a seat to receive the bottom end of the egg disposed in the cell above. A pad is usually arranged in the bottom of the compartment and a similar pad is arranged between the top layer and the cover for the case which tops both compartments. The purpose of the cellular fillers and the so-called flats and pads are well known in the trade and therefore, need not be enumerated herein.

There are certain objections to the said conventional method of packing eggs for shipment which the present invention seeks to overcome. One of the objections is the initial cost of the fillers, flats and pads thus used. Another objection is the weight which such devices add to the case of eggs and which added weight is reflected in the carrier rates, either freight or express. A further objection is added expense, time and cartons required when the cases are received by the consignee and are divided up into lots of a dozen each for retail trade. This procedure involves an extra handling of the eggs with chances for breakage and resulting loss .at this point One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved method of and means for packing eggs which avoids the objections above noted with respect to the conventional method and means now employed for the same purpose.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method and means for this purpose, wherein the parts employed are lighter in weight; which provides parts that may be made and sold at a lower price; in which the parts may be shipped flat to the packer; and which avoids damage in shipment as well as eliminating the individual handling of the eggs by the consignee in transferring them to individual cartons for the retail trade.

The above mentioned objects of the invention as well as others, together with the many advantages thereof, will more fully appear as I proceed with my specification.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a case of eggs packed in accordance with the present invention and with the cover or lid removed and with certain portions shown as broken away, more clearly to disclose the invention.

Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view through one compartment of the case, on a somewhat enlarged scale as taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the egg receiving trays employed in connection with the invention.

Fig. i is a perspective View of a foldable separator employed in connection with the invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective View of one of the loaded trays disposed in a carton for display in connection with and the sales of the eggs to the ultimate consumer.

Referring now in detail to that embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the drawings and especially to Fig. 1 thereof:

it indicates as a whole a conventional type of egg case made of Wood and including a bottom wall ll, side walls lZ-QZ and end walls 93-43. About midway between the end walls is a transverse partition i l dividing the case into two substantially square compartments. Each compartment is of such size as to receive five layers of eggs, each layer containing three dozen eggs. arranged in longitudinal and transverse rows of six eggs each. At the top end of each end wall, on the outside thereof, is a cleat 5 to facilitate handling and to permit the nailing down of a lid in that covers both compartments. The case described is of the conventional kind used by the packer in packing eggs for shipment. While a double compartment egg case is shown, single compartment egg cases are sometimes used. The present invention is adapted for use with either type.

Thus the invention does not require a change in case structure and, therefore, meets with certain shipment and trade regulations.

Instead of the usual pads, flats or cellular fillers, I employ a plurality of trays and a pluraiity of folding separators, the combined height of a tray and separator approximating the height of one of the layers. As here shown, each tray is adapted to contain one dozen eggs. One of said trays is shown in Fig. 3 and one of said separators is shown in Fig. 4.

As the tray mentioned forms a part of the invention set forth in my co-pending application, filed December 6th, 1935, under Serial Number 53,118, the said tray need not be described in detail herein, but only in general.

In general, each tray which is preferably made as an integral structure from molded pulp or fibrous material, includes side walls ll and end walls is of a height less than the length of an egg stood on end. and which walls taper upwardly and outwardly from the bottom, at a nesting angle. In this instance, the said walls are of a length approximating the longitudinal and transverse dimension of a compartment of the case and this length is about three times that of the end walls. Extending transversely of the tray are five longitudinally spaced arched partitions l9 and extending longitudinally and centrally of the tray is another arched partition 20, all of an inverted V shape cross section. Each partition 49 includes sides 2! and a rounded top ridge 22 that has a mid portion arranged substantially flush with the top edges of the side and end walls. The partition 20 includes sides 23 and a rounded top ridge 24, the latter having a mid portion arranged flush with the mid portion of the middle transverse partition I9. The sides of said partitions and the side and end Walls coact to form twelve cells 25, each adapted to receive an egg stood on end. Each cell is bottomed as at 26. In each cell bottom is an upwardly embossed cushion seat 21 to receive the bottom end of the egg placed in the cell. The partitions mentioned define intersecting grooves in the bottom of the tray, which open through the respective side and end walls a suitable distance below the top edges of said walls. By this arrangement the top marginal part of said side and end walls extends uninterruptedly around the tray and this materially stiffens the structure against longitudinal or transverse bending strains. When three of such trays are placed side by side, they will approximate the area of one of the compartments of the case. This is so whether the trays are arranged side by side laterally of the case compartment or side by side longitudinally of the same. Arranged above each set of trays and resting thereon is a separator 28.

Each separator 28 comprises a set of longitudinal and transverse strips 293il respectively, each strip being of a length approximating the longitudinal and lateral dimensions of a case compartment. These strips which are arranged edgewise and are spaced apart a distance approximating the spacing between the middle and the endmost portions of a tray, are made of relatively stiff paper board and are provided at the desired points with transverse slits 3!. The slits in one set of strips face in one direction and the slits in the other set face in the opposite direction, the slits extending about half way through the respective strip 3. The slits in one set of strips are interengaged in those of the other set so. as to provide an enlarged cellular structure, which when opened up, has an area approximating that of the case compartment in which it is used. Such a cellular structure is capable of being folded or collapsed in the manner of the conventional fillers for egg cases.

In the use of the tray and cellular separator, the packer places an egg in each cell of each tray with the eggs standing endwise or upright in each cell. The eggs may be placed in the trays either before or after the trays have been placed in the case. In this respect. it is pointed out that the cells are so dimensioned that an ordinary size egg when resting at its bottom end in the bottom of the cell will project at its top end a substantial distance above the top edge of the tray and will engage the four sides of each cell as defined by the respective partitions and walls of the tray. This will give each egg an individual bottom and side cushioned support so that it stands endwise therein and is capable of but a limited movement therein if any.

When the trays are filled, three of such trays arranged side by side are placed in the bottom of one compartment. Said trays may be disposed either parallel with the side walls or parallel with the end walls and partition of the case. As the eggs rest on the bottom of their respective tray cells, it is not essential to non-breakage, that a cushion or pad be provided between the case bottom and tray bottom, but such a pad may be so provided, if desired.

An opened up separator structure such as appears in Fig. 4 is now taken in hand and placed in the case compartment upon the top of the trays therein, the end of the strips of the separator structure substantially engaging the inner surfaces of the case walls defining the compartment. This prevents accidental folding up of the separator. In this position, certain strips of the separator will extend longitudinally of the trays and the others will extend transversely thereof and these latter strips due to their spacing will be arranged in the plane of and will engage upon the middle and endmost transverse partitions of the tray. When the separator strips are so arranged, the top edges of the strips thereof will be disposed slightly above the top ends of the eggs in the tray below. A flat, or a cushion 32 is then placed upon the top edges of the separator and this completes the packing of one layer in the compartment.

Another set or layer of three loaded trays is taken in hand and placed in the compartment and are rested upon the flat or cushion above mentioned. This set of trays may be arranged transversely with respect to those in the first layer, or they may be disposed in the same relation as those in the first set or layer, whichever Way the packer may happen to choose. Another separator is placed upon the second set of trays and another flat or cushion is placed upon the separator and this finishes the packing of the second layer in the compartment. It is pointed out that due to the spacing of the strips in the separator, they will be disposed in the planes of each longitudinal partition in each tray and in the planes of the middle and endmost transverse partitions in all trays and at no time will they come directly on top of the eggs in the trays below.

Other trays, separators and flats or cushions are packed in the same way until there are five layers in each compartment with a flat or a cushion arranged upon the top of the topmost layer. Thereafter a lid is applied to the case and is nailed to the end cleats and middle partition of the case and the case is ready for shipment.

It is apparent that the separator of one layer rests on the trays in the same layer and supports the trays in the layer above. Thus the weight of the eggs on the respective layers is distributed over enlarged areas and is not localized at any one point.

When shipping eggs in egg cases as heretofore employed, in which a filler is used to form the cells, the eggs that break are usually found to be broken on the sides rather than on the ends. The reason for this is that the eggs are separated. from each other merely by a single thickness of relatively solid paper board. In a sense the egg in one cell might as well contact the egg in the adjacent cell as the pressure is transmitted directly by the filler wall from one egg to the other especially when the eggs fit tightly in the cells. That is to say, there is nothing to cushion the shock. In the present construction, however, the pressure from one egg cannot be transmitted to the other because of the space intervening between the cells. This forms a cushion aiding in preventing egg breakage.

When, therefore, the eggs are packed as described, they are protected against breakage due to the ordinary handling the case receives in shipment because each egg is cushioned and is segregated from the other eggs in the same tray or in the trays above or below. Also with the arrangement described, ventilation is unrestricted throughout the whole case and the eggs therein, so that heat may be dissipated from the case to aid the eggs against deterioration.

However, should an egg become broken, which sometimes cannot be avoided, the contents of the egg is confined to the individual cell in which the egg is contained. This prevents spreading the broken egg over the other eggs as frequently occurs under prior practice.

Under prior practice, before the eggs in a case are sold retail to the ultimate consumer, they are repacked, usually in cartons, each containing a dozen. This. repacking was carried out either by the wholesaler or retailer and in either case, the same resulted in extra handling and carton costs which were passed on to the retailer in the form of increased purchase price.

When a case of eggs, packed in accordance with the present invention is open for retail sale, the procedure is as follows:

The lid It is removed and this exposes the pad or flat 32 on the top layer of eggs in each compartment. The top pad or flat in one compartment is removed. Also the topmost separator structure 28 is removed and this exposes the three loaded trays of eggs in said topmost layer. Upon the sale of say a dozen eggs which is the customary retail sale, the retailer removes a loaded tray and inserts it into a carton 33.

The carton is made of paper stock usually employed. for this purpose and is of a size to receive a tray loaded with eggs. Each carton includes a body comprising a bottom wall 34, front and rear walls 35-36 and end walls 3?. The front wall is of a height approximating that of the tray while the rear wall is of a height approximating the height of the eggs contained in the trays. The front and rear walls have end flaps 38 and 38 which are secured in any suitable fashion to the end walls so as to hold the carton body to form. Integral with the rear wall is a cover or lid 39 having a hinged flap it? of a height the same as the rear wall.

When atray of eggs is to be placed in a carton for retail sale, the cover of the carton is swung into open position and the tray is inserted into the body which snugly receives the same. The lidis then swung down to close the carton and the flap Ml is inserted between the front wall of the carton and the front wall of the tray. It is in this condition that the package of eggs is delivered or handed to the customer. Upon the making of another retail sale, another tray is removed from the case compartment and is placed in another carton as before. As one layer of eggs is depleted by retail sales, this exposes the fiat below, which is removed as is the next separator. Another layer or plurality of loaded trays is now in position for retail sale as before. It is pointed out that by reason of the formation or shape of the rear wall as shown, the same provides open end spaces for ventilation.

After the package of eggs has reached the home of the purchaser, the carton may be conveniently stored in a cool place. If desired, the loaded tray of eggs may be removed from the carton and placed in the refrigerator and the carton discarded. In following this practice, the eggs can be conveniently removed from the tray as required.

By reason of the integral moulded construction of the tray the same is strong and rigid, amply to withstand this handling, without breakage to the tray or damage to the eggs therein.

It is apparent that the present invention has several advantages. As for the original packer, the trays and separators cost less than the conventional filler and flats and pads and as they are lighter in weight, a saving in shipping expenses results. As for the wholesaler, it is not necessary that the eggs be repacked in individual cartons with added cost to the retailer and consumer which such practice entails. As to the retailer, all that is necessary is to remove a loaded tray from the case and insert it into a carton. Furthermore, when the tray is removed from the case the same can be displayed to great advantage. As to the ultimate consumer, the tray may be removed from the carton for storage in the refrigerator with the eggs exposed for an easy removal.

With eggs packed as described, they are cushioned to receive the shocks and jars of ordinary handling, without breakage and yet the loaded case is of such character as to permit ample ventilation therethrough to maintain the eggs in a good condition during storage.

The term egg case is to be construed broadly enough to cover any type of container case in which eggs are transported.

While in describing the invention, I have referred in detail to the form, arrangement and construction of the various parts employed, as

well as to certain sequences of the steps involved in such employment, the same is to be considered only in the illustrative sense so that I do not wish to be limited thereto except as may be specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination with an egg case, a layer therein comprising a plurality of open top inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays arranged in the same plane and separator means positioned on the top of said trays, the combined height of the tray and separator being not less than that of the eggs to be received in the trays.

2. In combination with an egg case, a plurality of layers therein, each comprising a plurality of open top inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays having individual pockets for the eggs, and a separator engaged in supporting engagement upon the trays in the same layer and operating to support the trays and the separators in the layers above.

3. In combination with an egg case, a plurality of layers therein each comprisinga plurality of open top molded pulp inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays having individual pockets for the eggs of a depth less than the height of the eggs therein, and a separator en gaged in supporting engagement upon the trays in the same layer and operating to support the trays and the separators in the layers above.

4. In combination with an egg case, a plurality of layers therein each comprising a plurality of open top inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays having individual pockets for the eggs, and a separator comprising a number of edgewise arranged intersecting strips which engage in supporting arrangement upon the trays in the same layer and operating to support the trays and the separators in the layers above.

5. In combination with an egg case, a plurality of layers therein each comprising a plurality of open top molded pulp inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays having individual pockets for the eggs of a depth less than the height of the eggs therein, and a separator comprising a number of edgewise arranged intersecting strips which engage in supporting arrangement upon the trays in the same layer and support the trays and separators in the layers above.

6. In combination with an egg case, a plurality of layers therein, each comprising a plurality of open top, molded pulp inherently rigid egg supporting and carrying trays arranged side by side and having individual pockets for the eggs of a depth less than the height of the eggs therein, a separator comprising a number of edgewise arranged intersecting strips which engage in supporting arrangement upon the trays in the same layer, and a flat arranged upon the top edges of said strips of the separator and having engaged therein the trays in the layer above.

WILLIAM A. SCHURMANN. 

